merrion street

Minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD, Minister for State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Health Promotion, launched the 14th Annual All-Ireland Gay Health Forum in Dublin Castle today, Friday, 10th June.

The Minister welcomed the partnership approach shown by the HSE and various organisations attending the Forum in advancing the health and wellbeing of LGBT people in Ireland.

“Achieving a healthier Ireland needs collaboration and needs many areas of society to play its part, and this Forum is a great example of that partnership approach. This is so important for the implementation of the sexual health strategy and I welcome the collaborative work underway on sharing information and good practice. It is also important for our efforts to communicate key messages and information so people can be empowered to better look after their own health and wellbeing, including their sexual health and wellbeing.”

This year the Forum is the venue for the launch of the report of the MISI 2015 Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Internet Survey, which is the largest survey of its kind carried out to date. The MISI 2015 report includes a range of findings on sexual health knowledge, attitudes, needs and behaviour among MSM.

The Minister noted that the information from the MISI Survey would be helpful to developing the policy responses to health threats such as HIV and STIs, as well addressing holistic lifestyle issues such as smoking, and alcohol and drug consumption.

The conference was organised by the HSE Gay Men's Health Service in partnership with the Gay Health Network, with the support of the Department of Health and the HSE. Its aim was to present an opportunity for those involved in HIV, AIDS, Sexual Health and other health related issues work with LGBT people to network, share and acknowledge their efforts in advancing the health and well being of LGBT people in Ireland.